Presidential GOP Hopefuls for 2012

As a former lobbyist, with a thick Southern drawl, Barbour doesn't come across as a likely national figure. However, one can't underestimate his stature across the party.

For one thing, he gets respect from conservatives and moderates alike because of his successful tenure as chairman of the RNC in the mid-'90s. He won important off-year elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City.

In short, Barbour seems like a competent conservative -- who can also appeal to the moderate elements in the party.

But now that the spotlight is beginning to show on Barbour, will he be able to survive what seems like the "curse" of being mentioned in the 2012 sweepstakes? No sooner was Jindal "mentioned," than he gave a response to Obama's national speech -- and promptly bombed. Sanford's star was rising -- until this M.I.A. story this week upset his momentum. Three weeks ago, Nevada's John Ensign was touring Iowa; now he's caught in a burgeoning sex scandal.

Maybe not being mentioned for president is the best thing for one's political career?